“I think that I shall never see, a poem lovely as a tree” … wait, that’s been done, hasn’t it?

Time to get out the pen and paper and write your own poem to mark the 75th anniversary of the dedication of the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, a living memorial to writer/poet Joyce Kilmer.

Kilmer was killed in action during World War I while serving in France on July 30, 1918. The Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center is sponsoring a poetry contest to honor this anniversary.

The poetry contest is open to school children in grades K-12 and to adults (and professional writers, as well). Poems shoud be submitted about a tree, trees or forests. Entries will be divided by grade levels, K-4, 5-8, High School, and adult/professional.

Authors will be recognized at the 75th anniversary celebration event on July 30. Once the judging has been completed and the winners notified, submissions will be publicly displayed at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center. Complete information about the contest and entry forms can be found at www.stecoahvalleycenter.com.

The celebration will include a 5K and 10K road race, plus one-mile fun run, on July 30 through a portion of the Nantahala National Forest, exhibits highlighting the area’s rich natural and cultural heritage, guided tours of the Joyce Kilmer National Recreation Trail and speakers on both Joyce Kilmer’s life and the U.S. Forest Service’s stewardship of wilderness.  

joycekilmerslickrock.org.